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Bradley promoted to provide outfield depth

Bradley promoted to provide outfield depth

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Bradley Jr.'s solo shot 0:56

7/9/13: Jackie Bradley Jr. lifts a solo home run to right-center field, pulling the Red Sox ahead in the fifth inning

By Jacob Thorpe
/
MLB.com |

SEATTLE -- With injuries piling up in the outfield, the Red Sox have called for reinforcements. Jackie Bradley Jr., the team's No. 2 prospect according to MLB.com, was recalled to play center field while Jacoby Ellsbury recovers from a left wrist injury, joining the team in time to start Tuesday night against Seattle.

On Monday, Daniel Nava manned center and appeared to struggle with some fly balls hit over his head. With Bradley's arrival, Nava was able to move back to his more natural left field position.

Shane Victorino started in right field on Tuesday, still recovering from a sore left hamstring that sidelined him for two games.

"If either one of the two were operating at 100 percent, we probably wouldn't have made the move," manager John Farrell said. "But the fact is they're not, and we need that guy."

To make room for Bradley, reliever Jose De La Torre was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Bradley struggled during his first Major League stint. In 19 games over April, May and June, the 23-year old hit .154 with one home run. He has been stellar, however, in the International League with a slash line of .297/.393/.530 in 45 games.

"I'm feeling really well," Bradley said. "[I'm] seeing pitches that I can handle and putting good swings on them and just being consistent with my swing. The timing is there and everything has been going pretty good."

Jacob Thorpe is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.